Red mountains of Anti Atlas

Day 1

… Agadir

Reception at the airport of Agadir. Transfer and installation at the hotel. Free time according to your flight’s arrival time, stroll around town and/or on the beach.

Day 2

Agadir – Aït Moussa oasis

Early morning, departure for Aït Moussa (about 120 km). The road rises slowly over the town of Aït Melloul to cross the plateau of Ait Baha covered with argan trees. Passage through a series of small villages.
Beginning of the walk from the village of Aït Lhaj, surrounded by fields of wheat and a forest of argan trees. Arrival to the village of Agadir Ikhssaine, from where a beautiful panoramic view is offered to us throughout the palm plantation of Aït Moussa. Descent by a path in zigzag to join the place of the bivouac. First picnic in the shade of argan trees. In the afternoon, discover the paradisiacal palm grove of Aït Moussa.
Return to spend the night at the bivouac (240 m).
3 h walk. D : 390 m.

Day 3

Aït Moussa – targa n’Touchka

Morning walk among cultivate fields, meet the men and women who work the land. We leave the palm plantation through a path that dominates the valley of Angrf. After an hour of ascent, arrival to the village of Aït Moussa or Lahcen : beautiful view over the wild gorges below where banana trees are grown.
We leave the gorges to cross the pass of Timzguida (520 m), “mosque” in Berber. The guide will explain the ritual of death and the reasons for the presence of the mosque and the cemetery in this place. The great ablutions of the dead are mandatory in the Muslim religion, and are made at the mosque.
A second ascent will lead next to the village of Aghrighre, where you will notice the typical architecture of the houses of the Anti-Atlas. Descent towards the beautiful gorges to have a picnic by the water, in the shade of the palm trees.
We continue along the gorges that lead us to the palm grove of targa n’Touchka. From the bivouac, the view is breathtaking (470 m).
Once settled in, explore the palm grove and its three sacred sources: Ain Imi n’Toundroute, Ain El-hna and Ain n’Targa. In the local belief, each source has its virtues: one is reputed to treat kidney stones, the other the pimples. The last one is the most astonishing: the young girls come here to throw a pebble that must strike the rock above the spring so that it gives them a husband, just as it gives water to the oasis. The exploration of the oasis will take us to meet the inhabitants who work the fields.
5 to 6 h walk. A : 660 m. D : 400 m

Day 5

Tikki – Aït Iften

Descent on Inzguérne, a village clinging to cliffs: the view is impressive. Do not forget to count the stairs that the warriors built during the tribal wars.
Ascent (2 h 30) surrounded by olive and argan trees to reach the pass of tizi n’Tlgout (1500 m); lunch at the foot of the cliffs. Continuation towards the valley to reach the camping at Aït Iften (1500 m), at the foot of the djebel Lekst.

6 to 7 h walk. A : 760 m – D : 750 m

Day 6

Aït Iften – djebel Lekst (2259 m) – Anamer

A steady climb leads to the Lekst ridge. The path of the shepherds is hardly traced between holm oaks, meadows of altitude, and rocky spurs. With some luck and discretion, it is possible to surprise some Cuvier gazelles who still live in this massif. Splendid view over the whole massif, the High Atlas, the Siroua, the Great South and Tafraoute. Long descent on Anergui then Anamer for the last camping at the foot of the date palms (1000 m).
7 to 8 h walk. A : 760 m. D : 1360 m.

Day 7

Anamer – Tafraoute – Agadir

Morning walk to reach Tafraoute. Time to stroll in this small nice town (rather large village), possibly buy local crafts or carpets. Breakfast in a local restaurant. Drive (3 h) towards the plain of Souss and Agadir.
Check-in at the hotel and free evening
3 h 30 walk. A : 200 m.

Day 8

Agadir …

Free time according to your return flight, then transfer to the airport for your flight.

With its pink granite mountains superbly lit at sunset, its fortified villages almost abandoned, its impressive gorges sprinkled with secret oasis, its valleys covered with terraces with almond and argan trees, its secret and proud population, the preserved massif of the Anti-Atlas is the occasion for a trekking off the beaten track.
In between mountain and desert, a great journey!

Highlights

The sumptuous lunar landscapes of the Anti-Atlas.

The heavenly oasis in the middle of the red granite cliffs.

The ascent of the djebel Lekst (2359 m), superb belvedere.

The wildlife (raptors, wild boars, Cuvier gazelles …).

The approach to the Berber traditions.

At Agadir, small charming hotel, in town, with a private beach.

Useful information

What’s included in the price
– The airport transfers to and from Agadir
– The road transportation as described in the program in reserved vehicles for the group (minibus).
– Lodging as described, in hotel (2 nights), in tent (5 nights), based on double room and tent.
– Full meal plan during the entire trip.
– The collective and individual kitchen equipment.
– The luggage transportation during the trek (4×4)
– An Aventure Berbère guide, from Morocco and English-speaking.
– The assistance from a local team (drivers, cook).
– A first aid kit for the group.

What’s not included in the price
– Single supplement (room / tent).
– Repatriation insurance.
– Drinks.
– Gratuities.
– Everything that is not in the « What’s included in the price » section.